Toy construction set



Oct. 3, 1961 J, o KUHN TOY CONSTRUCTION SET 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug.13, 195"! Oct. 3, 1961 KUHN TOY CONSTRUCTION SET 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledAug. 15, 1957 IN VENTOR Oct. 3, 1961 Filed Aug. 13, 195'? J. o. KUHN3,002,315

TOY CONSTRUCTION SET 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 15 15\ z7\ 4/ 52 15 an 55 & 4a m31 3 Oct. 3, 1961 J. o. KUHN TOY CONSTRUCTION SET 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FiledAug. 13, 1957 Arrow/ 's.

3,002,315 TOY CONSTRUCTION SET James 0. Kuhn, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignorto Bromo Mint Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware FiledAug. 13, 1957, Ser. No. 677,885 4 Claims. (CI. 46-19) This inventionrelates to childrens toys and is partic ularly directed to a novelbuilding or construction set including a series of elements which can beassembled to form miniature otlice buildings, stores, and the like.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide aconstruction set having members which can be easily assembled anddisassembled and which are adapted to form a rigid structure that cannotbe inadvertently collapsed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a realisticconstruction set which will not only amuse a child but which willprovide him with a basic knowledge of building fundamentals.

More particularly, a construction set of the present invention comprisesthree basic units. These units are vertical columns, horizontal beams,and wall panels. In an assembled structure the beams and columns, whichare preferably similar to miniature I beams, are fitted together to forma skeleton framework. The wall panels are then applied to the exteriorof this framework so that a very realistic structure both inconstruction and appearance is formed.

Each of the columns of the present invention is provided with a lugextending from one end thereof; the opposite end of the columnhaving alug receiving socket recessed therein and mortise forming projectionsextending longitudinally beyond the socket. The ends of each beam areprovided with tenons adapted for insertion in the column mortises forforming a joint between the beams and columns.

One of the principal advantages of the present consLuction is that whenadditional stories are added to a structure by inserting the lug of anupper column into the socket of a lower column, the upper columnfunctions to lock the beams carried by the lower column againstdisengagement. Moreover, the tenons of these beams form a continuationof the socket and thereby provide additional support for the uppercolumn so that a particularly firm joint is formed between the beams andcolumns;

In addition to the elements described above, each of the beams andcolumns is provided with one or more transversely extending lugs whichare adapted to be received within suitable apertures formed in the wallpanels. The lugs and apertures are of substantially the same diameter sothat the wall panels are frictionally held in place to form a skin onthe assembled beam and column framework.

As explained in detail below another advantage of the presentconstruction is that the panels not only form the exterior walls of thebuilding but they also function to increase the rigidity of theconstruction.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that the componentmembers can be economically molded and can be merchandised as arelatively compact package.

These and other objects of the invention will become more readilyapparent from a consideration of the following detailed description ofthe invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one floor of a typical structureembodying the present invention with certain wall portions removed;

FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a joint construction;

Fatented Oct. 3, 1961 ice FIGURE 3 is an elevational view of one side ofa column;

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the column shown in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a bottom plan view of a column;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of a column rotated 90 from the columnof FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of a beam;

FIGURE 8 is an end elevational of the beam shown in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of a beam;

FIGURE 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIGURE 11 showing a joint formed in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 11 is a vertical cross-sectional View of a joint formed inaccordance with the invention; 5

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of one form of roof panel;

FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a plan view of a modified form of Wall panel;

FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view along line15-15 of FIGURE 14.

FIGURE 1 illustrates the first story of a typical building which can befabricated with the constructional members of the present invention. Thebuilding 10 comprises a floor 11, wall panels 12 and 13, verticalcolumns 14 and beams 15. -It is to be understood that additional storiescan be added or the floor plan can be enlarged to any desired size byinterconnecting additional vertical columns, beams, and wall panels tothose shown in the manner explained below. In addition to these basicconstruction elements, the complete building set preferably includesroof panels adapted to cover the structure, the roof panels beingfrictionally held in place between a set of four interconnected beams asexplained below, and suitable decorative apurtenances such as .flag .16which is frictionally held between spaced lugson a pole.

As best shown in FIGURE 2, floor 11, is formed from a sheet offibreboard, plastic or the like, having a plurality of spaced apertures17 adapted to receive in press fit relationship lugs 18 formed on thelower ends of vertical columns 14.

The construction of vertical columns 14 is shown in detail in FIGURES3-6 as there shown each of the columns is of generally an I shape incross section including two spaced flanges 20 and 21 interconnected by aweb 22. The lower end of the vertical column is provided with a lug 18formed integral with the end of Web section 22. In the preferredembodiment lug 18 is square in cross section.

The opposite end of column 14 includes a socket form ing portion 25 ofrectangular cross section having a square socket 26 formed therein ofsubstantially the same size as lug 18. This end of the column is alsoprovided with four upstanding projections 27. These projections extendlongitudinally of the column from each of the four corners. Projections27 are preferably spaced from one another and of triangular crosssection; as best shown in FIGURES 4 and 10 each projection form with itsadjacent projections a dove-tail mortise for receiving a dovetail tenon34 formed on the end of a beam 15.

In addition to these elements each of the columns is provided with fourtransversely projecting lugs or pins 28-30. The lugs 28 extend outwardlyfrom web 22 beyond the edges of flanges 20 and 21. Lugs 30 extendoutwardly at right angles to lugs 28 from the center of flanges 20 and21. In the preferred embodiment, transof side edges. 42 and 43 of thePanel.

they can be die cast from a suitable metal if desired.

The construction of beams is shown in detail in FIGURES 7, 8, and 9. Asthey are shown, each of the beams 15 is of generally I shap d crosssection and includes spaced flanges 31 and 32 interconnected by; web 33.Each end of the beam carries atriangular tenon 34. These tenons extendfrom the outer surface of flange 31 along the edge of web 33 a distancecorresponding to approximately one half the height of the beam. Theheight of tenons 34 coincides exactly with the depth of slots 35 formedbetween adjacent triangular projection 27 of columns 14. In addition totenons 34, beam 15 is further provided with a pair of transverse lugsorpins 36. These lugs or pins extend outwardly from the center portionof upper flange 31. Additionally certain beams may be provided with lugs(not shown) extending outwardly from flange 31 parallel to web 33 in amanner similar to lugs 30 formed on columns 14. These additional lugsformed on certain beams 15 are employed to hold a roof section in place.

Side panels 12 and 13 are representative of a wide variety of wallpanels which can be provided. In general, each of the Wall panels isformed from a. relatively stifi sheet of plastic or the like. The panelsare of rectangular configuration having a height equal to the length ofa column 14 (excluding lug 18) and a length substantially equal to thelength of a beam plus the width of two columns. Each of the panels isprovided with three spaced apertures 37,. 38, and 4t). Aperture 38 isdisposed adjacent to the upper edge 41 of the panel, while apertures 37and 38 are disposed at the lower portions These apertures are preferablyof the same size as lugs 28, 3.0 and 36 formed on the columns and beams.so that when a wall panel is snapped over these lugs the panel isfrictionally held in place. It is to be understood that the panels canbe provided as by embossing, painting or the like with any desireddesign including windows, store fronts, designs simulating brick walls,and the like.

FIGURES 14 and 15 show a modified form of panel which is not only veryattractive but has greatly increased rigidity compared to the planarpanels of FIG- U'RES l and 2. As there shown, panel 50 is formed from arelatively thin sheet of plastic material of rec- .tangularconfiguration. Several windows 51 are formed in the panel by providingrecessed portions which are separated by arcuate ribs 52. The area 53beneath each of the windows is also indented to further enhance theattractiveness of the panel. In addition to providnig panels ofrealistic and attractive appearance, the provision of recessed areasfunctions to provide stiffening ribs within the panel whichsubstantially increase the rigidity thereof. Panel 59 is provided withthree spaced apertures 54 in the same manner as the panels shown inFIGURE 1.

Each kit further includes a plurality of signs bearing suitable indiciasuch as Supermarket, Post Office, Department Store and the like. Thesesigns are adapted to be mounted on the exterior of a panel by pressfitting the sign over one of the transverse lugs 36, the lug passingthrough a suit-able opening formed in the sign as is best shown inFIGURE 1.

The present building construction kit further includes a plurality ofroof panels such as panel 55 shown in FIGURES 12 and 13. As is shown,the roof panel 55 is of generally square cross section having removedportions 56 at each of the corners thereof. The roof panel has adepressed center section 57 of square outline and of just slightlylarger dimensions than the space between the projecting lugs 36 of a setof four beams assembled to form a square. Thus the roof panel is adaptedto be placed over and wedged between a group of beams, the roof panelbeing friction-ally held in place by the engagement of lugs. 36 withshoulders 58 formed on the roof panel. In the preferred form of roofshown, depressed center portion 57 is provided with a plurality of 4upstanding domes 60. These domes. provide the. functions of enhancingthe appearance of the roof and increasing its rigidity. Other roofpanels can be formed of the same general shape as panels 55 butincluding a substantially fiat depressed portion, 57 having no domes 60formed therein.

"In assembling a structure using the construction elements of thepresent. invention, lugs 18 of vertical columns 14 are inserted inapertures 17 of floor panel 11. Next, adjacent columns areinterconnected by slipping the, end tenons 34 of a beam 15 down betweenthe projections 27 in the upper ends of the columns. The joint formed inthis manner is best shown in FIGURES l0 and 11. Each pair of columns andtheir interconnecting beam or beams form a generally rectangularframework adapted to receive a wall panel. The wall panel is placed overthe framework by aligning the panel with the columns and beams so thatlug 36 of beam 15 passes outwardly through opening 38, while lugs 30 ofcolumns 14 pass outwardly through openings 37 and 40. The panel openingsare spaced apart a distance slightly less than the spacing of the lugson assembled beams and columns so that the panel is placed in tensionwhen it is mounted over the beams and columns. This interengagement oflugs 30 and 36 and the panel apertures not only frictionally supportsthe panel, but moreover rigidly locks the beam and columns in assembledrelationship. It will be appreciated that a beam can only be disengagedfrom the columns by shifting the beam longitudinally of the columns.However, when a panel is in place over the beam and columns thismovement is prevented.

In order to add additional stories, or floors, to the building, a secondcolumn 14a is placed above the column 14. As is best shown in FIGURE 11,lug 18a of column 14a is inserted in. socket 26, the endwise portion oflug 18a being received within the socket and the remaining portion ofthe socket being received with the extension of the socket formed bythe. four inwardly facing ends 46 of tenons 34 formed on beams 15. Asbest shown in FIGURES l0 and 11, faces. 46 of the tenons form anextension of socket 26 and are thereby effective to provide additionalsupport for column 14a. In turn, the lowermost surface of flanges 20aand 21a and web 22a of column 14a abut the upper surface of tenon 34firmly locking the tenon within the dove-tail mortise joint formed byprojecting portions 27. The upper ends of columns 14a are then connectedby beams in the same manner as columns 14 and a panel is mounted overeach pair of adjacent columns and the interconnecting beam.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the provision of threestandard elements, i.e. panels, columns, and the beams, permits theconstruction of multi-storied buildings having a wide variety of shapesin plan View. The particular connection of tenon 34 to the mortiseformed between projections 27 also permits cantilevered structures, ifdesired. Moreover, the particular design of the tenon and itscooperation With the mortise and socket 26, together with theinterconnection between the panels, beams, and columns provides anunusually rigid construction in multi-storied buildings. Also byemploying different panels, many ditferent types of structures such asoffice buildings, stores, factories and the like can be made from asingle kit. Furthermore, if it is desired to build bridges. or otherstructural members, this can readily be done by merely omitting thepanels.

In a general manner, while there has been disclosed in the abovedescription, what is deemed to be the most practical and efficientembodiment of the invention, it should be well understood that theinvention is not limited to such embodiment as there might be changes.made in the arrangement, disposition and form of the parts withoutdeparting from the principle of the present invention as comprehendedwith the scope of the accompanying claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In a building toy, a structural unit comprising two vertical columnsand a horizontal beam to join said columns to provide a frame, adove-tail tenon projecting from each of the opposite ends of said beam,a dove-tail mortise which opens upwardly at each of the sides of each ofsaid columns at the upper ends thereof, the tenons at the ends of saidbeam engaged down in mortises of the two columns with the beam spanningthe space between the upper ends of the columns, an integral pinprojecting transversely from a side of the beam, said pin being spacedsubstantially from an end of the beam, similar pins integral with thecolumns and projecting transversely therefrom parallel to, and in thesame direction as, the first named pin, at places on the columns spacedsubstantially from the upper ends thereof, a rectangular panel which isas high as the columns and as long as the beam plus the widths of bothcolumns, said panel having at least three apertures therein, therespective apertures positioned and sized to receive the pin on the beamand the pins on the columns in snap'fit relation, and said pins engagedin the apertures in the panel with the upper edge of the panelcoextensive with the top of the beam and the ends of the panelcoextensive with the outer sides of the columns, whereby the panelserves as a simulated Wall to cover said frame and serves as a lockingdevice to prevent the upward withdrawal of the tenons from the mortises,thereby holding the unit together.

2. A structural unit as set forth in claim 1 in which an integral lugprojects from the lower end of each column, and the upper end of eachcolumn has a socket therein of a size and shape to receive said lug,whereby a second structural unit identical to the first may be mountedupon and joined to the upper edge of the first.

3. In a building toy, a structural unit comprising two columns and abeam to join said columns to provide a frame, an integral lug projectingfrom the lower end of each column, a floor member having at least twoapertures therein which are spaced apart a distance equal to the overalllength of said beam, each of said apertures being of a size to receive alug in press-fit relation, said lugs engaged in said apertures with thecolumns vertical, a dove-tail tenon at each of the opposite ends of saidbeam, a dove-tail mortise to receive a tenon at each of the sides ofsaid columns at the upper ends thereof, the tenons at the ends of saidbeam engaged in mortises of the two columns with the beam horizontal andspanning the space between the upper ends of the columns, an integralpin projecting transversely from a side of the beam, said pin beingspaced substantially from an end of the beam, similar pins integral withthe columns and projecting transversely therefrom parallel to, and inthe same direction as, the first named pin, at places on the columnsspaced substantially from the upper ends thereof, a rectangular panelwhich is as high as the columns and as long as the beam plus the widthsof both columns, said panel having at least three apertures therein, therespective apertures in the panel positioned and sized to receive thepin on the beam and the pins on the columns in snap-fit relation, andsaid pins engaged in the apertures in the panel with the upper edge ofthe panel coextensive with the top of the beam and the ends of the panelcoextensive with the outer sides of the columns, whereby the panelserves as a simulated wall to cover said frame and serves as a lockingdevice to hold the tenons at the ends of the beam in engagement with themortises at the upper ends of the columns.

4. in a building toy, a structural unit comprising two vertical columnsand a horizontal beam to join said columns to provide a frame, eachcolumn being square in outline as viewed from an end thereof, the widthof the beam being equal to the Width of a column, a dove-tail tenon ateach of the opposite ends of said beam, a dovetail mortise which opensupwardly at each of the sides of each of said columns at the upper endsthereof, the tenons at the ends of said beam engaged down in mortises ofthe two columns with the beam horizontal and spanning the space betweenthe upper ends of the columns, an integral pin projecting transverselyfrom each side of the beam midway between the ends thereof, similar pinsintegral with the columns and projecting transversely from each of thesides of each column in the same horizontal plane, a rectangular panelwhich is as high as the columns and as long as the beam plus the widthsof both columns, said panel having at least three apertures therein, therespective apertures positioned to receive a pin on one side of the beamand a pin on one side of each of the columns and being sized to receivesaid pins in snap-fit relation, and the pins engaged in the apertures ofthe panel with the upper edge of the panel coextensive with the top ofthe beam and the ends of the panel coextensive with the outer sides ofthe columns,

whereby the panel serves as a simulated wall to cover said frame andserves as a locking device to prevent the upward withdrawal of thetenons from the mortises, thereby holding the unit together.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,329,850 Pye Feb. 3, 1920 1,420,748 Rader June 27, 1922 2,075,259Battjes Mar. 30, 1937 2,097,172 Yurkovitch Oct. 26, 1937 2,112,474Warren Mar. 29, 1938 2,116,301 Champlin May 3, 1938 2,147,373 Laird Feb.14, 1939 2,407,927 Hayden Sept. 17, 1946 2,441,761 Guelicher May 18,1948 2,714,782 Dinn Aug. 9, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 281,776 SwitzerlandMar. 31, 1952 1,159,319 France Feb. 10, 1958

